Dog poo in our streets and parks is smelly, unsightly and very unpleasant to step in. 

Council research has shown that the more people experience nuisance issues associated with pets in public places, such as dog poo, the worse their opinion of pet owners is overall, and the more they support legislative controls on pet ownership.

Some dog droppings contain harmful bacteria and nutrients. They can be washed through the storm-water system into natural waterways and Port Phillip Bay, which may contribute to excessive E. coli pollution readings on beaches following heavy rainfalls.

Roundworms and tapeworms can be found in the faeces of infected puppies or adult dogs and can be passed onto humans. Children, people with compromised immune systems and field sports players are most at risk of infection.  

Responsibilities

Cleaning up after dogs is part of being a responsible pet owner.

Whitehorse City Council requires dog owners to carry an appropriate receptacle (e.g. bag or scoop) to remove and dispose of their dog’s poo whenever they are with their dog in a public place. You can be fined for not complying.

Dog poo that has not been picked up can often be one of the main reasons influencing decisions to ban dogs from certain parks or reserves.

How to Clean Up

Cleaning up after your dog is easy. You can use plastic (biodegradable) bags, trowels or pooper-scoopers. Products are available that attach to your dog’s leash to store plastic bags for use during walks.

Keep your bags/pouches/pooper-scooper products with your leash, as a reminder to take them with you.

If using the bag method, simply put your hand inside the bag, pick up the dog poo, turn the bag inside out and then seal. You can tie the bag to your leash or carry it until you get to an appropriate disposal site.

Disposal methods include council provided public litter bins, or domestic landfill and waste collection, household garbage bin, worm farms or composting units.

Council may issue fines to owners who don’t pick up after their dog.